The Dutch football world is mourning the death of referee Rob Dieperink, who has died at the age of 38. The KNVB called it “a great loss” and said the sport has lost “a wonderful colleague.”
Dieperink had built a long career in professional football, officiating since 2011 and working 284 matches. He had been part of the Eredivisie since 2017 and also served on the Video Assistant Referee team at Euro 2024 and the 2024 Europa League final.
World Cup setback after police investigation
His death comes weeks after FIFA dropped him as a VAR official for this summer’s World Cup. The decision followed his arrest by the Metropolitan Police in April after allegations of sexual assault against an underage boy in London.
Dieperink later said the Met had closed the case and that no charges would be brought. A spokesperson for the force told The Athletic that “the evidential threshold had not been met” and “no further action” would be taken.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Age | 38 |
| Professional matches officiated | 284 |
| Professional refereeing since | 2011 |
| Eredivisie officiating since | 2017 |
| Recent major appointments | Euro 2024 VAR team, 2024 Europa League final |
After being removed from the tournament, Dieperink told Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf that it was “a pity” he would not officiate at the World Cup and said he was “very sad that I have been wrongly accused.” He also said he had fully cooperated with police, FIFA, UEFA and the KNVB.
In his May statement, Dieperink said the allegations had been refuted and that the case was dismissed within two weeks after an investigation by police. FIFA said it was saddened by his passing and extended condolences to his family, friends and the Dutch Football Association.
Tributes from football authorities
The KNVB said his passing is a loss not only for Dutch football but also for everyone who worked with him. FIFA added that, on behalf of the football community, it wished him to rest in peace.
Dieperink’s career had reached the international stage through major European tournaments, even as his World Cup appointment ended before the competition began. His death now leaves Dutch football with the memory of both his experience on the pitch and the controversy that overshadowed his final weeks.
